Grab your camera and dust off those holiday threads, Santa is coming to town. Whether you’re looking to capture that cheesy holiday card or just need to convince Sally to be good for a few more weeks, snapping photos with Santa is a must-do seasonal activity. Find the big man himself at the following events, festivals and pop-ups around Utah.
Date-Specific Santa Appearances
Santa Comes Down Park City’s Townlift
Ahead of his busiest night of the year, Santa will be making a stop at Park City’s Town Lift on December 21st at 5 p.m. Kids can wish him well on his forthcoming journey, enjoy complimentary cookies, holiday tunes and photo opps with Santa. Afterward, make sure to meander Main Street which has been decorated by seven life-size snow globes designed by local artists. And, for those 21+ Santa seekers, the annual Park City Santa Pub Crawl is happening on December 7th at 6 p.m., starting at Butchers Chop House. There will be plenty of boozed-up Santa’s to ask for a photo.
Lights On! At the Gallivan
Join The Blocks Arts District and In Theory Art Collective unveil the fifth installment of GLOW at the Gallivan center on November 22nd at 4-6 p.m. This year’s edition features dozens of unique sculptures and interactive light displays designed by local artists. Opening day includes free ice-skating, a live DJ, Disney princes sightings and Santa Claus himself.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pendry
Experience the magic of the season at the second annual Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests and locals alike can admire the beautiful thirty-foot tree and holiday decorations in Pendry Plaza on November 30th at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The holiday kickoff will also feature a special visit from Santa and his reindeer who will be available for complimentary photos.
Meet St. Nikolaus at the ChristkindlMarkt
Utah’s annual German Christmas Market returns to This is the Place Heritage Park with vendor booths, seasonal threats and plenty of activities for the whole family. Kids can meet and take photos with St. Nick throughout the festival, taking place Dec. 4th through the 7th. Find the entire schedule on the ChristkindlMarkt website.
2024 Festival of Trees
The 54th annual Festival of Trees will take place at the Mountain America Expo Center on December 4th through the 7th. The event supports Primary Children’s Hospital with a silent auction, holiday vendors and plenty of opportunities to snap a pic with Father Christmas in Santa Land.
Craft Lake City Holiday Market
Taking over Ogden Union Station on Dec. 6th and 7th, the Holiday Market features over 140 local artisans, crafters, performers and more. Be sure to say hello to Santa for a quick chat and free photo as you tackle holiday shopping.
All-Season Long Santa Sightings
Hyatt Santa’s Village
The sleek downtown hotel has transformed their 6th floor terrace into a charming holiday village, complete with a massive 18-foot tree, custom-built Santa cabin and of course, Santa himself. The rooftop is open to guests every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December 21st. Tickets are $20 per photo for non-dining guests, but for those who’d like to dine after at Basque-style restaurant Mar | Muntanya or the Salt Republic on the first floor, tickets are $10.
Photos with Santa at City Creek Center
From November 25th through December 24th City Creek’s resident Santa will be onsite to take holiday photos. Choose from a variety of packages that include digital downloads, holiday postcards and 4×6 prints. The shopping destination is also hosting a series of fun festive events throughout the holiday season, like the Paw Palooza event on December 5th that invites your fur baby to meet Santa himself. How else will you know what Fido wants for Christmas?
Ogden Christmas Village
Downtown Ogden lights up for the holiday season from November 25th all the way through the New Year with adorable cottage installations, magnificent holiday displays and all the twinkling lights. Celebrate the opening day with a Santa Run, followed by the iconic Holiday Electric Light Parade that starts on 22nd Street and ends on 27th. Of course, no Christmas village is complete without the Big Man himself. Santa visits the village Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday 5-9 p.m. starting on November 30th. Meet-and-greets are free as well as photos, but prepare to stand in a line as you wait to find out if you are naughty or nice!
Tracy Aviary Light Walk
Immerse yourself in holiday spirit at Tracy Aviary’s annual Light Walk. The eight acres of dazzling light displays also include life-size gingerbread houses, holiday beverages, interactive light shows and a chance to meet Santa. Lightwalk is available on select weekends, and also hosts special events throughout the season, check their website for more details.
Sugar House Santa Shack
Santa makes his grand appearance this season in a motorcycle parade on November 30th at 11 a.m. Afterwards, he’ll be at the Sugar House location every Monday-Friday 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Join the holiday tradition with your little ones, fur babies, or friends!
Santa’s Cottage at Traverse Mountain Outlets
Lehi’s shopping center is all dressed up for the holidays with a gingerbread village, Utah’s tallest Christmas tree, and visits with Santa. The holiday hero will be available for photo opportunities on select dates and times through December 24th, see the full schedule here.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
Outdoor retailer Cabela’s is offering free studio-quality photos with Santa everyday through Tuesday, December 24th. Every Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops, have been decked in their holiday best with cozy cabins, snowy backdrops, elves and festive decorations. Along with daily photos with Santa, Cabela’s hosts a weekly story hour with Santa or Mrs. Claus every Tuesday at 5 p.m. until December 17th. Reservations are free but required to confirm your family’s spot.
Festive Fridays at Wheeler Farm
Starting on November 29th, Wheeler Farm will host a family-friendly weekly event. Bring the kids for a wagon ride and holiday light displays, and make sure to stop by the Farmhouse Porch to greet Santa. Visiting with St. Nick is free and there will be plenty of onsite elves to help with photos.
Zoolights at Hogle Zoo
The zoo’s beloved holiday walk-through event runs on select nights through the holiday season, featuring brilliant animal-themed light displays, yummy smores, and a chance to meet Santa at the High Desert Oasis lodge
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